North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

How long before meals should medication prescribed "before meals" be administered?

1. 15 minutes

2. 30 minutes

3. 45 minutes

4. 1 hour

The correct answer is: 30 minutes

The appropriate timeframe for administering medication prescribed "before meals" is typically 30 minutes prior to eating. This ensures that the medication can begin to take effect in the bloodstream before the food is ingested, which is particularly important for medications that may affect digestion or blood sugar levels. Administering medication too close to mealtime may reduce its effectiveness, as the presence of food could interfere with the absorption of the drug or alter its intended impact. In this context, a 30-minute window strikes a balance between allowing adequate absorption and ensuring the medication has the desired effect during and after meal consumption. This timing helps to optimize the therapeutic benefits of the medication and ensure patient safety and effectiveness in treatment.